Direct Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN, degrees are offered to students who wish to enter the field of nursing to become a registered nurse. Direct BSN programs are typically taken at four-year institutions with a nursing department. These programs are similar to accelerated BSN programs as they require students to already hold a bachelor's degree; however, the current bachelor's degree does not need to be in a nursing-related field. These programs typically do not require four-years to complete as general education courses are not required since these courses were completed during the first bachelor's degree education. Thus, the coursework is geared toward preparing students for the RN licensing examination. For example, the MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing offers a direct BSN degree, which lasts 14-months and includes theoretical and practical coursework.
The direct Master in Nursing is similar to the direct BSN program as applicants do not need to have previous nursing educational or work experience to apply. These programs are for students who wish to work as an advanced nurse practitioner. Unlike the direct BSN program, a direct MSN program typically requires students to have taken specific prerequisite courses prior to being enrolled into the program. The exact requirements for direct entry MSN programs vary by institution. For example, Simmons University School of Health Sciences requires direct MSN students to have taken five specific courses and while the program does not offer a BSN degree, like some direct MSN programs, students are able to take the RN licensure examination after the second fall semester.
Direct nursing school coursework is typically much more focused on core curriculum rather than general education courses as the latter coursework was completed during the students' previous degree. Most coursework within either a direct BSN or MSN is geared to prepare students for licensing examinations as well as practical experience. After completing theoretical coursework, students must complete a series of clinical practicum courses to put their knowledge to use prior to gaining a degree.
The total cost of a direct nursing school program may vary dramatically from institution-to-institution. While you should always discuss the exact tuition and living expenses with the education establishment you wish to attend, an example of 2011 tuition costs for a direct BSN degree is $47,300 for the Accelerated BSN program at MGH Institute of Health Professions, while the direct MSN program at Simmons University is $1,090 per credit hour. Most universities offer financial aid, scholarships and special pricing for resident students.